Shoeshiners

Set against the hardened backdrop of Bolivia's principal urban centre, this report investigates the plight of the destitute women and children who barely scrape a living by polishing shoes.

Contending with police harassment and the need to support their families, whilst evading the influence of drugs and alcohol, women like Marlene struggle to survive: "Men threaten us," she confides "But what are we going to do? Work is work." In this ongoing climate of social abandonment, many vulnerable individuals like Marlene will continue to call the streets their home.